Roundabout affecting the shape of a giant top



Doc. 8 '1925- 1.554.213Y

E. FROST )WOUT HBGTING TBB SHAPE 0lA A GIANT T0? P1106 Feb. 7. 1923 2 ShOISfShO-Oi 1 i In ven lo'r E'len e Pros* loer E. FROST ROUNDABOUT AEFECTING THE SHAPE 0F A GIANT TOP Filed Feb. '7. 1923 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 In Yeh/"of" EH@ e {'OS' lper S.

Affomey.

Patented Dec. 8, 1925.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

ETIENNE PROST, OF MARSEILLE, FRANCE, ASSIGNOR TO HENRI GIRARD, OF

MARSEILLE, FRANCE.

ROUNDAIBOUT AFFECTING THE SHAPE 0F A GIANT TOP.

T0 aZZww/m 1f/may concern: 1

Be it known that I, ETIENNE FROST, .citizen of the Republic of France residing at l Boulevard Pascal, Marseille, France, have invented certain new and usefulA Improvements in Roundabouts .Affecting the Shape of a Giant Top, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a roundabout for pleasure shows, the roundabout affecting the shape of a giant top revolving about its main axis and rolling with its marginal edge upon a track, imitating the bearing of a spinning top which is about to stop revolving.

The object of the invention is to offer to the passengers new sensations in absolute safety against all accidents even if voluntarily provoked, and also to provide a complete structure for this purpose which is light, easy to erect and to dismount, to operate and to transport whilst being absolutely safe against all accidents.

Besides the peculiar characteristic shape of the roundabout looking like a giant spinning top, the whole presents the following features:

The track upon which the roundabout is adapted to roll is not flat, but is formed with an undulated profile resembling the profile of a toboggan or coaster.

At one point in the track a suitable depression is provided, said depression serving to bring the top to a dead stop after the speed of the roundabout is suiiiciently reduced; the roundabout being brought to rest opposite the station and with its platform in almost a horizontal position.

The transmission of motion from the driving axis is eEected by means of a worm which drives a toothed wheel fixed on the one end of an articulated shaft which is fixed at its other end to the middle of the platform.

The Seats are rigidly connected to the platform as it would be dangerous to allow them to turn freely in view of the relative inclination of the platform.

This invention is more particularly described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the preferred construction is shown.

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the whole device;

,Fig 2 is a plan View of the device with the hood N removed;

Fig. 3 is an elevation with one-half in section, of the contrivance, the platform being horizontal or nearly so.

Fig. 4 is a plan view of a seat for two persons;

.Fig 5 is a section taken on the line 5 5 of Fig. 4.

As shown in the drawings, the track is undulatedon its upper edge andthe platform is covered by a shelter; the seats are rigidly connected to the platform and the passenger receives the sum of the sensations due to the inclined rotation and to the rise and fall.

In the basement A (Figs. l, 2 and 3) is the electric motor B, connected bythe worm gear C to the toothed wheel D fixed upon the vertical portion E of the articulated shaft, said portion E transmitting the whole strain and rolling in the bronze bearing E provided with a steel base; this shaft carries at its upper extremity the fork F receiving and maintaining the movable eye piece G 0n the lower end of shaft part H which with the shaft Ev forms the articulated shaft. This shaft I-I is the principal part upon which is placed and fixed at the one end the inverted conical casing I receiving the lower portion of the metal structure J, and at the other end the circular platform K also connected to the structure J.

The peripheral edge of the platform K is provided with a rounded off piece of lining L contacting with the track M (Figs. 1 and 2) upon which in rolling the giant top travels due to the action of the driving shaft E on shaft I-I articulated thereto.

Above the platform K a hood N of cloth or the like is disposed, or any other suitable shelter, affecting a decorative shape, for the seats O disposed on the platform is provided.

The seats O (Figs. 4 and 5), the number of which may vary at will, are cylindrical in form and are upholstered, and accommodate two passengers comfortably. A door P gives access to the seats and this door may be locked from the outside in any known way. For safetys sake a bar @,shown in dotted lines in Figs. 4 and 5 may keep the passengers on their seats which are fixed onl the platform K by means of the bolts R. The upper surface of the platform is provided with Wooden slats S disposed so as to aord a foot hold if it is necessary to move about the platform when in an inclined position. A yielding railing S is provided on the platform K at its periphery.

A slight depression of the track, shown at T, suffices to finally stop and retain the giant top in front of the terrace U during the time required for getting the passengers in and out. The controlling apparatus of motor B may be disposed either on an extension of the terrace U or otherwise. near to the ground and between the two flights of steps V, V.

The equipment of the roundabout is completed b y any known arrangement of lamps X; turning with the platform.

lThe angles of inclination (maximum and minimum) of the giant spinning top are calculated so as never to displace the centre of gravity to a degree capable of compromising the stability of the whole and thus causing the possibility of upsetting.

Any suitable brake or safety stop consisting of a known locking device (not shown 25 in the drawings) grants the immobility of the giant top during halts, and even in this positiontlie platform is inclined.

In order to ensure smooth running and to economize motive power, ball bearings are disposed in all principal friction points.

Naturally the revolving speed of the giant top varies during every single trip.

declare that what I claim as my invention is;-

ikn amusement apparatus comprising a roundabout shaped like a giant top, an entrance and exit platform, an undulating trank formed with a depression for receiving the roundabout and facilitating the stoppage thereof alongside said platform5 and a peripheral edge on the roundabout for en gaging and rolling upon the said track.

In testimony whereof I affix my signature.

ETIENNE FROST'. 

